Jamie McDonnell determined to land big bucks in US

Liam Hoden

Jamie McDonnell is determined to swing open the door to huge money fights by winning in his American debut this weekend, writes Liam Hoden.

The WBA regular bantamweight champion is set to face Japan’s former WBO champion Tomoki Kameda in Hidalgo, Texas on Saturday night.

And while this weekend’s non-title bout is the most lucrative of his career to date, McDonnell says even bigger paydays await should he come through unscathed.

“This fight is life-changing because I’ll be able to pay off my mortgage and that means so much to me and my little family,” he said.

“But it’ll open the door to massive paydays in the future and some big fights. This kid is very well thought of and he’s a former unbeaten world champion so beating him will make a big statement. Whether I stick around at bantamweight or move up to super bantam, I’ll be right at the top of the division. I’ve got no doubt in my mind that I’ll win this one. I’m convinced that I’m going to stop this kid.”

The fight takes place on Saturday afternoon in Texas, allowing it to be broadcast at primetime on Sky Sports on Saturday night in the UK.